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Educators are perhaps the greatest population of unsung heroes in Berrien and Cass County. This school year, Leader Publications will publish a weekly spotlight featuring teachers and staff throughout the Dowagiac Union Schools district, giving the community a chance to get to know the hard-working individuals shaping their children’s lives.

Name: Janice Starling-Payne 

School: Justus Gage Elementary School

Grades/subjects taught: I teach 4th Grade/All subjects: mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. In past years, I have taught 8th grade mathematics.

Where did you attend college?

 Southwestern Michigan College, Western Michigan University, and Walden University

How many years have you been teaching? 

I have been teaching for a total of 17 years which includes teaching at a higher learning institution.  How many years have you been with your current school?  3.5 years 

Why did you decide to become a teacher? 

I became a teacher because I enjoy helping others learn and I wanted to provide positive learning experiences for students.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing for fun? 

I enjoy traveling, shopping, and spending time with my family.  

What is one thing your students may not know about you?  

My students may not know that I am a vegetarian. 

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? 

My favorite fictional character is the Berenstain Bears.  I used to read these series of books when I was a child and I admired how they had a family who always learned a positive lesson from the challenges they faced.

When you were a student in the grade you teach, what were your favorite hobbies? 

When I was in the 4th grade, my favorite hobbies were collecting rocks and coloring.  

How would your coworkers describe your teaching style and personality? 

I believe my coworkers would describe my teaching style as creative and personality as patient.  

Who is your biggest role model and why? 

My mom (She is also known as Mrs. Mary at Pat Ham School) is my biggest role model.  She has taught me how to persevere and never give up no matter how challenging a task might be.  She has taught me to value myself and others.  

How has education changed in the last 10 years? 

Within the last decade, education has transitioned from being offered in a typical brick and mortar learning environment to expanding beyond the four walls of a classroom with the usage of technology.

What is your best advice to parents to help their child continue to grow academically? 

My advice to parents to help their child grow academically is to have open communication with their child and teacher.  Talk to your child and find out their mental and social state of being.  Encourage your child with positivity and let him or her know you care about his or her well being.

If my students learn one thing this year, I hope it is… to think positively about their daily tasks.